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Newsdesk 2014

***************************************************
 RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 422             27 March 2014
 Editor: Steve Rowland
 mailto: steverowland@ranelagh-harriers.com  
 ***************************************************

 HEADLINE NEWS
 *************
 *  Ranelagh women finish 12th in the South of England 6-stage road relay
 *  Peter Fordham wins the Clutton Cup 10 miles handicap
 *  Fastest times by Phil Killingley and Helen Nance
 *  Judd School wins the Ranelagh Cup schools race.
 *  parkrun placings for Polly White, Eirin McDaid, Trevor Maguire, Megan De
     Silva and Vaughan Ramsay  
 *  Baker Cup 3 miles road handicap this Saturday
 *  Still time to book for Saturday evening's supper and presentations
     evening at the Roebuck

 ATTENTION PLEASE
 ****************
 BAKER CUP 3 miles road handicap  Saturday 29th March in Richmond Park
 Our shortest handicap race - the Baker Cup 3 miles - takes place this
 Saturday and all members are welcome. Except for a few metres of grass it's
 all on the closed roads in the centre of the Park, starting and finishing
 adjacent to White Lodge. Start time is 3pm, but please come to the clubhouse
 by 2.30pm to register and ensure you have a handicap assigned to you.
 Details:. There are still a few places left for the
 evening's supper and prize-giving at the Roebuck - see below.  

 BAKER CUP SUPPER and PRIZEGIVING
 You are invited to our annual presentations supper. All are welcome,
 especially if you have a trophy or medal to collect. 
 Date - Saturday 29th March @ 7.00pm.
 Location - The Roebuck Pub (upstairs) 
 130 Richmond Hill, TW10 6RN
 Tel 0208 948 2329
 Dress - Smart Casual

 Price - £23.00 per person - includes welcome drink, free beer (while stocks
 last) and buffet dinner.
 Please Contact:-  Michele Gibson:-Email:- micheleagibson@hotmail.com,
 Mobile:- 07703 518 956
 Cheques payable to :- Ranelagh Harriers and posted / handed to Ms Michele
 Gibson, c/o Baker Cup Supper, 107 Elm Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3HN or
 leave in the club safe with the name Michele Gibson on the envelope.

 CONGRATULATIONS...
 ...to Philippa and Rob Kitchen on the safe arrival of a son.
 Philippa writes:
 "Our son Toby James Kitchen was born on Friday 14th March weighing 6lb 15oz.
 The medical staff said he had very long legs, so we think he might be a good
 runner, or perhaps long-jumper!"

 PSP ASSOCIATION
 This comes from Heather Martingell:
 "In a previous e-news, Hilary Saw wrote: 'This is the association that looks
 after people with the disease that killed my husband Peter. I wondered if
 anyone at Ranelagh might be interested in running for them'.
 I got to know Peter through the very early days of helping to set up
 Richmond parkrun in 2007.  His health was deteriorating by then but he was
 often there to support the fledgling event in all weathers. I never knew the
 extent of his achievements and the extent of his involvement with athletics.
 To read more about Peter, please see what Hilary wrote for me to add to the
 Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Heather-Martingell12  
 I would be grateful for any contributions to this cause."

 EPILEPSY SOCIETY
 Martin Halvey writes:
 "I'm running the London Marathon and collecting for the Epilepsy Society -
 all donations will be appreciated. Those who are unemployed, have already
 contributed to other charities, have been adversly affected by the recent
 budget, are suffering from charity fatigue or are one step from the
 workhouse need not donate. However your non donations will be understood and
 your good intentions appreciated. The web page is www.justgiving.com/martin-halvey.

 RANELAGH ROAD GRAND PRIX
 Details of the events that will make up our summer Road Grand Prix are on
 our website here:. There are only
 nine events this year - the Elmore 7 miles has been dropped as it is on the
 same weekend as the Elmbridge 10km. All the Surrey Road League events are
 included in our Grand Prix. The GP kicks off with any spring Marathon up to
 May 4th and continues with the Thames Towpath 10, the Richmond Half Marathon
 and the Sutton 10km.   

 MABAC LEAGUE  Sunday 6th April
 The next MABAC League race is in the beautiful Surrey Hills at Winterfold.
 It's 5 miles starting at 11am. All Ranelagh members are eligible, just
 register on the day.  Details:. 

 RIVER THAMES HALF MARATHON  Sunday 5th October
 Roy Reeder, who some of you may know from Stragglers, sent this in:
 "This is a new event starting in Walton-on-Thames. I have chosen Princess
 Alice Hospice as the race charity. The race will also be supporting another
 local good cause, PC Andrew Duncan Memorial Fund. I am offering Ranelagh
 Harriers a £5 discount off the entry price until 30 June, to claim enter the
 code 'STEVE5' at the Sport Systems store. Nearer the time, I'll be looking
 for helpers on the day. The race website is here:". 

 A parkrun DOUBLE IN GDANSK AND GDYNIA  10th May 2014
 Peter Fordham writes:
 "The parkrun team in Poland is welcoming a group of parkrunners to the
 Tricity area on the weekend of the 10th May to take part in one or both of
 the Gdansk and Gdynia parkruns. It is also hoped that parkrunners from other
 countries will be there to make it a very special day. The Gdansk parkrun is
 held in wooded parkland on the edge of this historic and fascinating city.
 The Gdynia parkrun, the first in Poland, is a beautiful course along the
 Baltic seafront and this will be the third trip to Gdynia by a group of UK
 parkrunners. 

 The Tricity area is of significant wartime and political history, being the
 place where World War 2 started and also where the Solidarity movement was
 formed. The parkrun Poland team will be our hosts throughout the weekend and
 have kindly offered to show the group some of the attractions, which will
 include different options for those that have been before.

 If you are interested, contact Peter (Ranelagh member) at peter_fordham@yahoo.com
 or 07799 072307 and you will be able to join the group on the trip.
 He will be able to book you three nights with breakfast at the 3 star Hotel
 Blick in Gdynia.  Airport transfers, Gdynia to Gdansk parkrun transport,
 and fares for planned trips are included in the total price of £160 per person,
 or £132 per person if sharing a double/twin room.

 Flights are not included in the price, but a return flight on Ryanair from
 Stansted is currently available for around £75, see the times below. Be
 quick, they will go up! It is hoped that most of the group will travel on
 Ryanair flight FR2372 departing Stansted at 06.45 on Friday 9th May and
 flight FR2373 departing Gdansk at 10.15 on Monday 12th May arriving at
 11.35. 

 For information on parkrun Poland, visit www.parkrun.pl/gdansk
 and www.parkrun.pl/gdynia." 

 COMRADES MARATHON
 Lloyd Camp writes:
 "I am originally from Pietermaritzburg, start/finish of the legendary
 Comrades Marathon: it alternates as an up/down event, and this year starts
 in Pietermaritzburg, finishing in Durban. I have run it four times, and it
 is a wonderful event.
 Several people have spoken to me about finding accommodation in P'burg or
 Durban. I have many friends there who rent out spare rooms over Comrades
 time at a very reasonable rate so if this is useful to any Ranelaghs or
 other runners, please spread the word that I can help. The runners can be
 taken to the registration, drive the route beforehand and be dropped off at
 the start/picked up at the end etc if this is useful to them. Apparently the
 main hotel close to the start in P'burg closed recently, which has left many
 runners in a bind." Contact Lloyd lloydcamp@gmail.com .

 McLEOD TROPHY and WOMEN'S PERFORMANCE AWARD
 These competitions are for points scored in all club races during the winter
 season. With just the Baker Cup to come, Rob Curtis has taken the lead from
 Mark Herbert in the men's competition, though any of the first three could
 still win. Rob has 1165 points, Mark has 1134 and Peter Fordham is on 1100.
 There was no change at the top of the women's table, with Marie
 Synnott-Wells on 1078 comfortably ahead of Megan De Silva on 898 and Becky
 Hall on 867. Full scoreboard and rules here:.    

 POINTS PRIZE
 This one is for consistency in handicaps during the season. Coming up to
 Saturday's Baker Cup, it's anybody's race. Current leader on 14 points is
 Ted Mockett ahead of Phil Killingley on 13 and Bruce McLaren on 11.
 Full scoreboard and rules here:.  

 RUNNING TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP
 Karen Weir (one of our coaches) is holding a Running Technique Workshop on
 Sunday 6th April, from 2-4pm. Running is a skill that can be learned! Learn
 how to improve your running form and to run more efficiently. Not only will
 this reduce your risk of injury, once you have mastered the techniques you
 will also improve your running performance. Spaces are limited to ensure
 everyone gets individual feedback and video analysis. The cost is £25
 (payable in advance), to reserve your place or for more information, please
 contact Karen@runwithkaren.com. The workshop is not too onerous in terms of
 running and will focus more on drills and exercises, so do not worry if you
 have done your long run in the morning or are tapering for your spring
 marathon. Workshop location: lululemon athletica, 19 Duke Street, Richmond,
 TW9 1HP.

 RANELAGH RICHMOND HALF MARATHON   Sunday 4th May
 Entries have closed for our Half Marathon. If you're not taking part, please
 reserve the date anyway and volunteer your services as a marshal. Race details:. 

 Follow Ranelagh on Facebook. 

 WHAT'S COMING
 *************
 More details of the following from the men's Captains ( e-mail Phil, Duncan
 or Trevor ranelagh.men@gmail.com  or the women's Captains 
 ( e-mail Estelle, Becky or Phil ranelagh.women@gmail.com  )

 Saturday 29th March            Baker Cup 3 miles road handicap in Richmond
 Park. 3pm start. 

 Sunday 13th April                London Marathon

 Sunday 27th April                Thames Towpath 10 miles at Chiswick

 Sunday 4th May                  Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon. 8.30am
 start.    Details:. 

 Sunday 11th May                 Sutton 10km. 9.30am start.   Details:. 

 parkruns every Saturday at 9am
 Bushy Park                            Diana Fountain car park
 Richmond Park                      Richmond Gate
 Wimbledon Common             Windmill car park
 Banstead Woods                  Car park off B2219 Park Lane, Chipstead
 Bedfont Lakes                       Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Ashford,
 Middlesex
 Kingston                               The Hawker Centre
 Old Deer Park                        Pools in the Park on the A316
 Crane Park                             Near the Hospital Bridge Roundabout
 on the A316 in Twickenham
 Other venues, more details and registration at www.parkrun.com
 2km junior parkruns for under 14s take place on the first Sunday of each
 month from Bushy Park's Teddington Gate (11am start) and from Savill Garden
 car park, Windsor Great Park (9.30am start), and also every Sunday at 9.30am
 in Wimbledon Park.  

 WHAT'S HAPPENED
 ***************
 RANELAGH CUP SCHOOLS RACE  3.8 miles Saturday 15th March in Richmond Park
 As if to make up for the wild weather we experienced in the early part of
 the year, we now found ourselves enjoying an early summer. It was sunny and
 most un-March-like warm for our annual Schools race. Eight schools were
 represented, though King's Wimbledon failed to close in a complete team.
 Judd School from Tonbridge have dominated the race in recent years, but last
 year they were well beaten by Wellington College. Both were back this year
 hoping to put their names on the trophy which dates back to 1927. 

 As the field set off on one lap of our mob match course it was immediately
 apparent that Judd would be the team to beat. Two of their runners, Nathan
 Marsh and the very appropriately named Miles Speed, established themselves
 at the front and seemingly cruised round the course to cross the line
 together in the excellent time of 21.31. Third placed Macgregor Cox of
 Charterhouse was almost half a minute back. Judd registered two more home in
 the top ten and this proved sufficient for them to reclaim the Cup with
 Winchester taking the silver medals and Wellington the bronzes on countback.


 Thanks go to Julian Smith for organising the event.

 1   N Marsh (Judd)            21.31
 2   M Speed (Judd)            21.31
 3   M Cox (Charterhouse)      21.59 
 4   J Harvey (St John's)      22.22
 5   A Chan (Winchester)       22.41
 6   H Scriven (Winchester)    22.50
 7   P Laing (Judd)            22.56
 8   J Griggs (Wellington)     23.10
 9   L Huang (Winchester)      23.23
 10  O Harding (Judd)          23.34
 57  Edward Hedger (St John's) 28.44 

 Teams (4 to score)
 1   Judd             20
 2   Winchester       31
 3   Wellington       53
 4   Charterhouse     53
 5   Westminster     108
 6   St John's       116
 7   RGS Guildford   149   

 CLUTTON CUP 10 miles handicap  Sunday 16th March in Richmond Park
 John Scally reports on his race:
 "Clutton 2 - Scally 0.

 The slower Scally turned up on what turned out to be a glorious bright and
 warm Sunday morning in Richmond. Having registered at the clubhouse and
 already got in excuses about hay-fever and never racing a cross country of
 10 miles before, I made my way up to the start. Lack of training and injury
 have meant that since winning the Coad Cup last year (did I mention that?)
 I've had a dip in form, and so I'd decided a get round and survive approach
 was the order of the day, and seeing that Rob Curtis was going out in front
 of me by over a minute and a half, I knew I probably wasn't in it to win it,
 so decided to just see what I could do.

 I started off with the words 'Ah Scally, I've got my eye on you!' from Angus
 the handicapper ringing in my ears, which is somewhat daunting to hear and
 admittedly a phrase I'd not heard since school days, a time where I'd pretty
 much do anything I could to avoid cross country running.

 A quickish start saw me tracking and possibly gaining on Rob on the first
 downhill. I got to the bottom of Queen's Ride and a flappy shoelace was
 attended to, by which time Rob was out of sight, I had a minor detour in the
 woods until the unmistakable shorts of Mike Peace came and put me back on
 track. I watched Mike's racing line through the boggy section with the
 fallen pine tree as we exited the woods. Unfortunately Mike and I are not
 the same height, and I managed to head-butt the fallen tree and remove a
 rather large branch whilst negotiating the bog. Hard-headed and undaunted I
 carried on past the two walkers who were now staring at me open-mouthed, and
 headed up to Pen Ponds.

 The rest of lap one for me was fairly uneventful, I saw Rob and Mike coming
 back out on lap 2, rounded the flags at the top of Sidmouth Wood and back
 out. Just about to start my descent of Queen's Ride again having got past a
 really rutted bit of ground, I managed to trip on a tree root, and years of
 judo training as a kid went out the window as I fell like a sack of spuds,
 my knee and hands taking the impact. More shocked than damaged, I was up and
 off passing Trevor going the other way, and slightly dazed heading in the
 wrong direction past Ted Mockett who pointed me down Queen's Ride. Less
 dithering in the woods this time, I was off for a steady second lap. Saw
 Trevor again as we rounded Spankers Hill wood. I was passed by Phil, Ted,
 Dave and Matt in quick succession, and overtook a few people just before
 climbing back to Sidmouth Wood. 

 From there I managed to pick up the pace a bit and made it home in what for
 the conditions is a time and position I'm pretty pleased with. Rob and I
 compared bloody knees afterwards, definitely one I'm going to try again!"

 Winner Peter Fordham adds:
 "'NO BEEF WITH ANGUS'

 On a brilliant sunny day, the predictable hordes were out providing every
 obstacle possible to a smooth run in the Park..... wayward dogs, mountain
 bikers and buggies to name but a few. However, it was much the same in a
 small corner of Sidmouth Wood waiting for the Handicap officials to take
 their leisurely stroll up the hill to join an elite but small bunch of
 restless runners. There is a good case for a staggered start from the
 clubhouse to ensure they all arrive at the same time.  

 The nature of the Clutton Cup '10', with the elongated handicap departure
 times, probably means one or two are burnt out through warming up before
 they start, however it does encourage social banter, with some of it
 directed at the officials for dubious influence. Dilemmas and problems
 arise, when to eat, or is there time to pop over to the Lodge for lunch
 before you start? Mike Peace had promised to Annie to be home for lunch...
 no chance, supper more like it. Phil Killingley, well, he could be starting
 with a head torch. Marina had a flight to catch to Bolivia, but no, you're
 starting when we tell you.   

 I've always had great respect for the Handicapper, but years of experience
 have taught me that trying to gain favour with him gets you nowhere. I've
 tried the flu, knee trouble, lack of form, can I go early because I've a
 busy afternoon, comparisons to other runners, previous times and numerous
 other excuses all to no avail, despite their legitimacy. All that's happened
 is the threat of time penalties! So now it's just 'Good morning Angus, nice
 to see you, great job and delighted to see my handicap' (even though I'm
 not), with a friendly smile to follow on the second lap.  

 Seriously though I believe the Clutton Cup is the best handicap, not just
 because of the splendid 19th century trophy, but because the contest has
 time to unwind, and there is the opportunity to see the competitors around
 you on completion of the first lap. More of you should try it... mark it
 down for next year and let's make it the big event it deserves to be.

 I'm delighted to have won it, but spare a thought for Corinne who was
 leading all the way only to be caught yards before the finish. If it had
 been 9.85 miles, instead of the '9.9' the trophy would have been hers.
 Perhaps, I should thank Angus?" 
                                                                   
                                                                   
 SOUTH OF ENGLAND WOMEN'S 6 STAGE RELAY  Sunday 16th March at Milton Keynes
 Phil Aiken reports:
 "Last year a combination of snow and freezing temperatures caused the
 Women's 6 and Men's 12 stage SEAA Road Relay Championships to be cancelled.
 Fast forward to January and this year's event was facing a similar fate when
 host club, Marshall Milton Keynes AC withdrew its offer to 'stage the 2014
 SEAA Road Relays, in the absence of any agreement on the contract or
 finances for the event - or even a logical date for the event.'

 Thankfully, common sense prevailed and so it was that, on a perfect spring
 day when the sun shone down out of a cloudless sky, six Ranelagh ladies
 assembled on the green infield of the Stantonbury Athletics Stadium to take
 part in this race for, I believe, the very first time. Except that, by the
 time the team manager had to submit the team declaration, there were only
 four. In the absence of Estelle, Becky gamely stepped up to take the
 responsibility for the opening leg, with Megan, Marie and Juliet (making her
 Ranelagh team debut) filling the next three. Estelle, having made the
 easy-if-you-knew-it way from the car park to the track, was rewarded with
 leg five, leaving the glory leg to Jo, though I don't think she viewed it
 that way at the time!

 At one o'clock, 39 runners set off. Becky set out at a measured pace, not
 being drawn into the frenetic opening leg rush that produced 14 of the 30
 quickest times of the day and coming home in 30th place. First in was
 Jessica Judd in 17.27, some reward for being the only representative from
 Chelmsford AC. 

 Such has been their dominance in recent years that it was surprising to see
 Aldershot Farnham & District's Laura Gent finish half a minute down in 4th
 place, but normal service was resumed on leg two with Steph Twell picking up
 the baton (not literally, as team-mates were tagged at the end of each leg)
 and recording a new course record of 16.20 for the 5.053km leg, effectively
 giving Aldershot a lead of one minute. Beth Potter running 16.37, the third
 fastest time of the day, was the only other runner inside 18 minutes and
 lifted Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers up to second, but they had no more
 runners. In 4th place was Delhi Commonwealth Games 1500m silver medallist
 Hannah England, who was heard to say that she doesn't normally run for more
 than 5 minutes. Over the course of her debut season, Megan has been steadily
 improving and her 19.34 was not only good enough for 17th (out of 36),
 lifting Ranelagh up four places to 26th, but was also ten seconds inside her
 5k best.

 Rachel Robinson of Aldershot ran the fastest third leg in 17.36, stretching
 their lead (over Southampton) to almost four minutes. Belgrave were steadily
 making their way up the leaderboard and now lay 7th, half a minute off
 third. Marie, with 20.50, was 18th quickest (of 33) and Ranelagh climbed two
 more places to 24th.

 Tish Jones has been in sparkling form for Belgrave (her recent 1:12.56 at
 Reading was just 36 seconds outside the Wimbledon club's half marathon
 record) and her 16.52 was the fastest time on leg four and the 4th fastest
 of the day. Belgrave were now in second place. First home was Aldershot's
 Amy Griffiths, who had won the English Schools Cross Country Championship at
 Castle Donington the previous day. Juliet dismissed the attentions of the
 kit police at the start of her leg to come home in 16th (of 33). Her 20.48
 would have seen her set a 5k pb. It was also good enough for Ranelagh to
 break into the top twenty, moving up five places to 19th.

 By now, it should come as no surprise that it was another Aldershot runner,
 Natasha Doel, who recorded the fastest time for leg five (18.02). The top
 positions were now starting to take shape. Bedford & County, with the second
 quickest time, moved up to 5th. Belgrave solidified their second place and
 Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow moved back into the top three. Estelle
 claimed she didn't have the legs, but what she did have was still good
 enough for 18.54 and the 5th fastest on that leg. Though, as she didn't see
 anyone for the first half of the lap, she was only able to gain two places
 to 17th.

 Less than two minutes after Estelle handed over to Jo, Emelia Gorecka flew
 round the track, breaking the tape, arms aloft, to seal another win for
 Aldershot. Her time, 16.22, was the second quickest of the day (all six of
 Aldershot's runners were in the top twelve on the day) and, with Belgrave
 having their slowest runner on the last leg, meant that Aldershot won by
 almost nine minutes. There was a real battle for silver and bronze though.
 Belgrave led Windsor by over two minutes, Southampton were a further 40
 seconds back with Bedford & County another 30 seconds in arrears. Bedford's
 Rebecca Murray recorded the day's 5th best time (17.09), Windsor and
 Southampton both recorded 19.26 and Belgrave 20.30. The provisional results
 showed Belgrave had hung onto silver by just ten seconds from Bedford,
 dropping Windsor to 4th and Southampton to 5th. Later, the official results
 showed Windsor as being disqualified (possibly because of an ineligible
 runner). It didn't affect the medal positions, but it did mean that Jo's
 last leg of 19.58, good enough for 9th quickest on leg six, moved Ranelagh
 up into 12th place overall out of 30 teams finishing. We couldn't compete
 with Belgrave on the day, but we did come ahead of the only other Surrey
 clubs, Clapham Chasers and Herne Hill Harriers. 

 And so, fittingly perhaps on the finest day of the year so far, the curtain
 dropped on Ranelagh's autumn and winter campaign. Now to the defence of our
 Surrey Road League title."

1   Aldershot F&D AC          1:43.31
2   Belgrave H                1:52.21
3   Bedford & C AC            1:52.31
12  Ranelagh H                2:01.38
    Becky Hall           30     21.34
    Megan De Silva       26     19.34
    Marie Synnott-Wells  24     20.50
    Juliet Edwards       19     20.48
    Estelle Damant       17     18.54
    Jo Ronaldson         13     19.58  

 Individual finishing positions shown above are as they crossed the line -
 i.e. before WSEH's subsequent disqualification.

 SURREY SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS  Saturday 18th January at Reigate
 Belated congratulations to Lydia Louw, representing St Agatha's School in
 Kingston, who won the Year 4/5 race by seven seconds in a time of 6.41.

 FINCHLEY 20 miles  Sunday 9th March at Ruislip
 Contrary to the report in the last e-news our first finisher was actually
 Carl Selya-Hammer, 18th in 2:01.35. The Spendlove Cup will therefore go to
 Carl rather than Duncan Mallison.

 WORTHING 20 miles  Sunday 9th March
 1   K Rojas (B&H)             1:48.41  (chip time 1:48.40)
 13  S Hill (Farnham)          2:08.59  (2:08.57 - 1st woman)
 476 Penny Merrett             3:48.17  (3:47.51)
 490 Cindy Croucher            3:58.17  (3:57.52)
 502 Deirdre Inman             4:15.23  (4:14.57)

 SPITFIRE 20 miles  Sunday 16th March at Dunsfold
 David Rowe writes:
 "I took part in this race (well, long training run for me) in 2013 as part
 of my Ironman/marathon preparation. I loved it. It was a cold and windy day
 but I really enjoyed it. A few months ago I entered the 2014 edition of the
 race for another couple of lovely 10 mile laps in the Surrey countryside.

 My plan for spring 2014 was to run the London Marathon and try and get a
 fast time that will guarantee me an entry for the next two years. My run
 training hasn't been that great this year as I've been having a bit of a
 right calf tightness problem that isn't really going away as quickly as I'd
 like it to. Although, having said that, after last week's long run of just
 under 16 miles (my longest since Kona) my legs recovered well and I got a
 couple of good runs in this week including my fastest parkrun time since
 August. I don't think that I'll be running the London Marathon next month as
 I'm not happy with the number of 'long' runs (read 20+ milers) that I've
 done so I'll probably defer this place until 2015 and have a proper go at
 the run next year.

 So, this left me with an entry to the Spitfire 20 miles run today. What
 should I do? Well... if it was a 15 mile race then that would have been
 better for me but it was a lovely day, I felt OK so thought I'd have a go at
 a steady 20 miles and see how things went. Sharon kindly drove us (that's
 me, Kirsty and her mum) to the start and was appointed our official
 supporter for the day (and emergency contact written on the back of our race
 numbers). We arrived with plenty of time to spare, had a little wander
 around the airport at Dunsfold (where the race starts and finishes) and
 found an ideal backdrop for a 'team' photo. 

 My plan was to run just under 8 minute miling (which would give me a finish
 time of 2 hours 40 minutes) but if I felt good then I might up the pace a
 little towards the end. I set off easy and got into a steady stride. My
 heart rate was nice and low and I was feeling very comfortable. I got
 chatting to another guy who was running and we kept each other company for
 about 10 miles or so. I completed my first lap (10 miles) in 1:17:29 which
 is 7:45 minute miling. OK, so a little quicker then I'd planned. Anyone who
 knows me knows that's pretty much to be expected!

 At about 17 miles I decided to increase the pace a little and pushed harder
 through to the finish. 'It's only a parkrun to go' were my thoughts! I
 finished the race in a time of 2 hours 33 minutes and 57 seconds, meaning
 that my second lap was 1:16:28 (so a one minute negative split). That'll do
 nicely. I also noticed that I was six seconds faster than last year! My
 overall average pace was 7:42 miling. Oops again! I think the motivation for
 my negative split was the free chocolate bar that you get after you cross
 the finish line. Together with a couple of bacon sandwiches before we left
 and an ice cream on the way home made this an altogether excellent day out!"

 1   D Watt (Tonbridge)     1:55.58  (chip time 1:55.58)
 35  M Feltham (unatt)      2:17.09  (2:17.05 - 1st woman)
 43  Nick Wright            2:18.40  (2:18.37)
 91  Dan Little             2:28.29  (2:28.27)
 121 David Rowe             2:34.05  (2:33.57)  
   
 TEMPEST 10 miles  Sunday 16th March at Dunsfold
 1   D Freeman (Tadworth)   59.22  (chip time 59.22)
 5   R McGowan (unatt)      68.40  (68.38)
 115 Pete Warren            96.25  (95.43)

 NEW YORK CITY HALF MARATHON  Sunday 16th March
 Amelie Hunton is teaching in New York during her gap year and seems to have
 coped with the bitter cold better than Mo Farah, who collapsed at the
 finish. Also taking part was Kate Comisso, who we think is now resident in
 the USA.

 1    G Mutai (Kenya)       1:00.50  (chip time 1:00.50)
      S Kipyego (Kenya)     1:08.31  (1:08.31 - 1st woman)
 746  Kate Comisso          1:29.02  (1:28.11)
 1854 Amelie Hunton         1:37.18  (1:36.46) 

 CRANLEIGH 21 miles  Sunday 16th March
 1   T Dudden (unatt)       2:07.28
 25  James Whistler         2:25.39
 36  K Wilson (26.2)        2:27.40  (1st woman)
 299 Michelle Davies        3:14.25
 347 Lee Davies             3:20.37  

 CAPITAL RUNNERS BUSHY PARK 10km  Sunday 16th March
 1   I Harrison (SoC)       35.39  (chip time 35.39)
 9   K Morgan (Clapham)     38.47  (38.47 - 1st woman)
 43  Simon Collingridge     44.46  (44.41)
 236 Julie Teal             62.03  (61.41)

 RICHMOND 13.1 Half Marathon  Sunday 23rd March
 1    C Bruce (unatt)       1:15.42  (chip time 1:15.41)
 32   G Dickson (unatt)     1:25.44  (1:18.10??? - 1st woman)
 36   Colin Brett           1:25.50  (1:25.46)
 68   Craig MacLellan       1:27.44  (1:27.41)
 497  Alberto Esguevillas   1:42.31  (1:41.24)
 582  Amrut Sharma          1:44.23  (1:43.48)
 933  Mel Davison           1:50.56  (1:49.11)
 1304 Sally Yau             1:58.13  (1:54.47)
 1529 Lee Coole             2:02.25  (2:00.09)
 2152 Andrew Brown          2:13.39  (2:06.32)
         
 KINGSTON BREAKFAST RUNS  Sunday 23rd March
 8.2 miles
 1   T Jones                45.35  (chip time 45.34 - 1st woman)
 146 Simon Rothwell         63.09  (61.58)
 829 Deepa Sharma           85.30  (79.56)
 844 Julie Teal             86.14  (81.10)
 921 Jackie Dunkley         90.10  (84.35)

 16.2 miles     
 1   M Skinner (B&B)        1:28.09  (chip time 1:28.09)
 11  L Custance (Clapham)   1:42.13  (1:42.09)
 44  James Whistler         1:48.27  (1:48.21)
 45  Rick Jenner            1:48.31  (1:47.28)
 52  Nick Wright            1:50.06  (1:49.17)
 53  Duncan Mallison        1:50.06  (1:49.17)
 292 Ellen Clague           2:09.07  (2:08.39)
 572 Simon Martin           2:25.56  (2:23.05)
 674 Jane Craigie-Payne     2:32.28  (2:30.21)
 675 Ashleigh Ferris        2:32.34  (2:30.27)   

 EASTLEIGH 10km  Sunday 23rd March
 Marc Snaith writes on Facebook:
 "Not quite as fast as I wanted at Eastleigh 10k but I can blame that on a
 bad night's sleep and running the first 3k too quick. And it was windy. And
 someone put a hill on the course but forgot to add sufficient downhill. And
 it was windy. Happy to have just snuck under 36 and can now nail down track
  sessions for some sizzling summer pbs on the red stuff. Did I mention the
 wind?" 

 1    P Wicks (Belgrave)    29.34  (chip time 29.34)
 76   G Kersey (Bas)        34.34  (34.33 - 1st woman)
 112  Marc Snaith           36.00  (35.59)
 1061 Alan Davidson         50.38  (50.24)

 HASTINGS HALF MARATHON   Sunday 23rd March
 1    B Kongin (Kenya)      1:04.18  (chip time 1:04.18)
 11   G Kwambai (Kenya)     1:16.42  (1:16.42 - 1st woman)
 3022 Bert Grieco           2:38.08  (2:36.00)

 RICHMOND PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 15th March
 1   G Brook (Stragglers)   17.38
 5   Craig McLellan         18.30
 17  Stewart Anderson       19.49
 25  L Broughton (Rich CC)  20.16  (1st woman)
 33  Steve Aikin            21.13
 55  Karl Garvey            22.18
 94  Steven Mountain        24.09
 97  Michael Beverly        24.16
 112 Alberto Esguevillas    24.44
 118 Carol Aikin            25.02              
 146 Michael Sikora         25.58
 198 Leeanne Bryce          27.37
 202 Eugenio Carmo          27.42
 216 Val Lowman             28.08  
 249 Peter Lowman           29.47
 274 Michelle Martinez      30.44
 322 Penny Merrett          34.09
 342 Pat Hewlett            38.12

 CRANE PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 15th March
 1   D Tanner (Clapham C)   17.18
 11  Kevin Kearey           21.01
 14  Tom Kearey             21.21
 29  L Howard (Elm)         24.26  (1st woman)
 42  Emily Kearey           26.43
 43  Josie Kearey           26.51
 50  Rachel Allen           27.11
 53  Ann Kearey             27.30
 71  Tanya Allen            30.17
 77  Cindy Croucher         30.58
 78  Deirdre Inman          31.36
 79  Tracey Small           31.38
 87  Lexi Slaughter         37.18  

 BUSHY PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 15th March
 1    A Jackson (Sitt)      15.32
 17   Ted Mockett           18.03       
 31   David Rowe            18.45
 56   T Hardcastle (unatt)  19.33  (1st woman)
 66   David Ready           19.46
 257  Ian Grange            23.13
 291  Nick Wright           23.31
 717  Teresa Segovia        28.35
 824  Mary Hickson          30.13
 835  Kirsty Bangham        30.37
 928  Sharon Rowe           33.36
 1003 Wally Garrod          37.04
 1037 Danny Hobbs           42.08

 OLD DEER PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 15th March
 Second and third for Trevor Maguire and Vaughan Ramsay.

 1   C Nicol (TVH)          18.29
 2   Trevor Maguire         19.27
 3   Vaughan Ramsay         19.51 
 10  G Munro (Old Deers)    22.29  (1st woman)

 OSTERLEY parkrun 5km  Saturday 15h March
 1   L Phair (Met Police)   19.41
 13  Amrut Sharma           22.56
 21  R Duffy (S Doha)       24.14  (1st woman)
 38  Sue Camp               26.46
 39  John Herriott          26.53
 48  Deepa Sharma           28.29

 KINGSTON parkrun 5km  Saturday 15th March
 1   D Norman (26.2)        17.24
 18  L Marchant (26.2)      20.09  (1st woman)
 39  Hannah Doyle           23.12
 48  Mike White             23.56
 94  Maya Farah             31.24
 107 Andrew Brown           41.51   

 OTHER parkruns  (Saturday 15th March)...
 Nonsuch: 138 Tom Reay 24.29
 Bury St Edmunds: 94 Jar O'Brien 31.16
 Hampstead Heath: 108 Lynne Barber 28.09,  168 Christine David 32.53
 Southsea: 81 Alan Davidson 23.39
 Inverness: 46 Mel Davison 25.14
 Harrow Lodge: 22 Jo Sinton-Hewitt 26.34 
 Bromley: 224 Peter Fordham 29.19,  233 Nick Fordham 29.56
 Walthamstow: 13 Ben Shore 23.59 

 RICHMOND PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 1   S Barrett (Serp)       16.52
 5   Craig McLellan         18.22
 22  L Broughton (Rich CC)  20.34  (1st woman)
 45  Chris Read             22.14
 55  Karl Garvey            22.32
 57  Olivia Lloyd           22.33
 70  Steven Mountain        23.02
 108 Carol Aikin            25.14
 156 Alberto Esguevillas    27.00                 
 169 Michael Sikora         27.38
 178 Tony Clark             27.58
 188 Val Lowman             28.29
 199 Eugenio Carmo          28.51
 200 Ulises Alonso          28.51
 212 Andrew Brown           29.37  
 217 Peter Lowman           29.49
 243 Martin Clark           31.28
 261 Louise Atkinson        32.13
 284 Jar O'Brien            35.25
 295 Pat Hewlett            38.13
 305 Penny Merrett          40.11
 306 Bev Ali                41.36 

 BUSHY PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 1    A Jackson (Sitt)      15.53
 13   L Hasell (TH&H)       17.23  (1st woman)
 29   Nick Wright           18.25
 81   David Rowe            20.06
 275  Ian Grange            23.23
 520  Neil Surtees          26.20
 548  Kirsty Bangham        26.37
 598  Teresa Segovia        27.12
 978  Wally Garrod          37.10
 1017 John Hanscomb         43.02

 OLD DEER PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 Polly White was the leading woman.

 1   J Smith (unatt)        18.28
 4   Polly White            21.56  (1st woman)
 13  Phil Roberts           22.40
 30  Lorna Smith            27.00
 36  Paula Maguire          28.13
 40  Paul Sinton-Hewitt     28.50
 43  Molly Smith            29.17
 50  Katie Walton           30.41
 51  Deborah Blakemore      30.46
 60  Clare Hulacki          36.14 

 KINGSTON parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 1   O Collis (Colling)     18.23
 14  L Fletcher (K&P)       20.30  (1st woman)
 45  Chris Camacho          23.44
 71  Tom Reay               26.12
 85  Janet Turnes           29.15
 92  Maya Farah             31.52
 94  Annemarie Goodridge    32.05
 95  Wiebke Kortum          32.05 

 CRANE PARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 1   A Keane (unatt)        18.48
 12  Tom Kearey             21.36
 14  Kabir Sait             21.41
 19  Kevin Kearey           22.55
 30  L Howard (Elm)         24.24  (1st woman)
 44  Chris Brook            25.39
 62  Lynne Barber           27.33 
 74  Josie Kearey           29.42
 77  Ann Kearey             29.58
 81  Christine David        31.06
 85  Cindy Croucher         31.29
 89  Deirdre Inman          32.07
 92  Heather Martingell     32.55
 98  Su Clark               34.37    
 103 Lexi Slaughter         37.12 

 DULWICH parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 Megan De Silva was third woman.

 1   M McCabe (Sutt & D)    14.01  (wheelchair)
 7   Paul Doyle             16.50
 23  S Watson (Kent)        19.08  (1st woman)
 28  Megan De Silva         19.44
 35  Marie Synnott-Wells    20.30
 45  Becky Hall             20.58
 52  Rob Curtis             21.34
 126 Phil Aiken             25.13  

 CITYPARK parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 Eirin McDaid was the winner in Craigavon.

 1   Eirin McDaid           16.49

 REIGATE PRIORY parkrun 5km  Saturday 22nd March
 This was the inaugural Reigate Priory parkrun.

 1   R Harris (Rei P)       17.37
 20  A Chandler             20.37  (1st woman)
 100 Michelle Davies        24.59
 112 Lee Davies             25.31
 147 Peter Fordham          26.40
 196 Mike White             28.57 

 OTHER parkruns  (Saturday 22nd March)...
 Bedfont Lakes: 24 Jamie West 22.56
 Southsea: 55 Alan Davidson 24.27
 Gunnersbury: 49 Phil Jackson 22.13
 Conkers: 4 David Lawley 18.13
 Malahide: 173 Leeanne Bryce 26.40
 Darlington South Park: 109 Nigel Coombes 27.03
 Preston Park: 67 John Pratt 23.28
 Osterley: 51 Maria Nunes 42.34 
  
 FINALLY...
 As Marathon season is upon us:
 "It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to
 beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against
 the little voice inside you that wants you to quit."  Dr George Sheehan